7th Heaven s05e02 Episode Script
Help
Here's the good news.
This was just a practice test to help you prepare for the midterm.
It doesn't count.
Here's the bad news.
Half of you didn't pass.
The other half barely passed.
Oh, here's some more bad news.
The midterm's in 2 weeks, so if you don't know the material by now, when are you going to learn it? What does this all mean? For those of you that are taking organic chemistry as a requirement for pre-med, you might want to double-major in pre-law, because if you don't understand chemistry, you're gonna be a doctor who's gonna need a lawyer.
Just wanting to be a doctor isn't enough.
You have to study hard, you have to work hard, and you have to get through this class.
Class dismissed, and for some of you, I think permanently.
Please, just give me another week.
Yeah, I know I said that a week ago, but I swear I just need one more week, and then I can pay you.
Yeah, I know my check bounced, but you can't cancel my car insurance.
You better get out there.
Your tables are stacking up.
I'll be right there.
You better.
The manager's out there, and he doesn't look happy.
Ok.
Hello.
Hello? Ohh! Great.
See, I know it's not my chosen profession, but for the next 2 days while you study for your first big test in child psychology, I am large and in charge of the Camden brood.
You know, there was a time when that would terrify me, but ever since the twins were born, you've become really quite competent at household chores.
Competent? Ha! Competent.
Competent would be plain old casserole.
I'm making tuna casserole.
Oh, well.
Is Mary coming home for dinner? No.
Someone called in sick from the pool hall, so she volunteered to work a double shift.
Good.
How many months is she behind in her room and board? Uh, well, let's see.
She was supposed to start payment a month ago, so one.
Hi.
The principal wants to see your father and me at school tomorrow? Wow.
What'd you do? No.
I think the question is, what did you do? I didn't do anything.
I swear.
So have you found a way to get me out of miss riddle's class yet? We're workin' on it.
Well, work faster.
You have to sign my tardy slip.
Why were you late to class? Because I went up the down stairs, and by the time I went back down the down stairs and up the up stairs, I was late.
I hate high school! I'm not in any trouble, and I wasn't late for class, and I love high school.
Ask me why.
What's your big news? I was Oh, I'll get it.
No, no, I'll get the door.
You need to start studying.
I was nominated for homecoming queen.
Thanks for your support.
Guess who's coming to dinner.
7th heaven When I see their happy faces smilin' back at me 7th heaven I know there's no greater feelin' Than the love of a family Where can you go When the world don't treat you right? The answer is home That's the one place that you'll find 7th heaven Mmm, 7th heaven 7th heaven I made up the twin bed in Simon's room for the colonel.
Has he told you how long he's staying or why he's really here? Uh, only for a couple of days, and no.
He says he's just passing through on his way back to New York.
He was supposed to stay with Julie and Hank, but Hank got called out of town to lecture in Chicago and decided to take Julie and the baby with him.
Personally, I think they ran.
Do you blame them? No.
I envy them.
I want to be them.
Colonel-free in Chicago.
Ah, you're overreacting.
Having the colonel spend a few days with us won't be that bad.
Last time my dad was here, I had a heart attack.
That's not funny.
I'd feel better about the colonel being here if I knew why he was here.
Well, maybe it's like you said.
He he just wants to spend a couple of days with us.
Oh, poor, sweet, naive Annie.
Well, whatever the colonel is doing here, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
In the meantime, I've got some studying to do.
Dinner was good, but it was too beige.
Beige? Yeah.
Macaroni and tuna beige.
Even the corn was beige.
No, it was white.
White corn.
And the salad was green.
Ok, I'll give you that, but for desert, vanilla ice cream beige again.
Come on.
Where's the chocolate sauce? Where's the excitement on my plate? I really look forward to dinner.
It needs to be something special.
I'll keep that in mind.
Well, I hate to disagree with such a beautiful girl, but I thought the dinner was excellent.
You're becoming quite the cook, son.
Thank you.
So, Annie's back in school Again.
What is this, uh 4 degrees? Uh, 3.
Ah.
Yeah.
Why are you here? Do I need a reason? Yes.
What are you gonna do about organic chemistry? I think it's pretty serious.
I'm gonna talk to my professor in the morning.
That's a good idea.
Maybe he can help you.
I don't need help.
Yeah? Then why are you gonna go see him? To explain about Heather and the wedding.
What? I've been unfocused and kind of all over the place since Heather dumped me at the altar this summer.
And what does that have to do with your failing chemistry? Don't you see? This whole Heather thing has kept me from doing my best work.
Or maybe Heather has nothin' to do with it.
Maybe you just don't understand the material.
No, I understand the material.
I'm distracted.
It's Heather.
Yeah, I'm sure once professor talley understands the pressures I've been under and sees how distracted I've been, he'll go a little easier on me.
Tip big.
I need the money.
Well, here's one big, gigantic tip I hear the colonel's in town for a little unscheduled business.
He's stayin' at the house.
I'm guessing the colonel won't think too highly of your putting your education on hold so you can wait tables.
The only thing worse than a lecture from dad is A lecture from the colonel.
Thanks.
Well, wonder what the colonel will think of your "d" in organic chemistry.
I don't live there anymore, and I got no plans to visit.
All right.
Study.
Oh.
Ok, thanks.
Oh, maybe going back to college was a bad idea.
Is that what my father said? No.
Oh, do you think he's here because he thinks I'm neglecting the kids by going back to school? It doesn't matter what the colonel thinks.
What matters is that you pass your test.
Yeah, but what about going to ruthie's school tomorrow? I'll handle it.
I know, but I just hate not being there.
I'm always there.
I'm the mom.
It's my job to always be there for the kids.
You know, at first I wasn't thrilled with your going back to college, but your going to school isn't about me.
It's about you.
You do so much for me and the kids and the church.
It's your turn to do something for yourself.
Boy, what a difference a week makes.
Well, what kind of a man would I be if I didn't support you 100% by helping out with the house and the kids? A jerk.
Exactly.
So start studying.
Ok, thanks.
Hey.
Congratulations on your homecoming queen nomination.
Hey, what's wrong? Jim called To tell me that his mother doesn't want us hanging out together.
She blames me for the whole tp thing last week, so I will, once again, be all alone.
But, hey, 4 years of high school isn't that long, right? I was thinking about your unhappy high-school situation, and I thought I could help.
If you help me with my homecoming queen campaign, you could meet lots of people girls, even.
You feel sorry for me, don't you? And that's why you want my help, isn't it? No! I thought Ok, I feel sorry for you.
I remember what it was like to be the new kid in a new school, but I really do need your help because I really want to be homecoming queen.
You do? And while you're trying to get me elected, you could get out there and meet some people.
Girls, even.
So are you in? Ok, I'll do it.
Great.
We'll start campaigning tomorrow.
Hey, luce Thanks.
And I don't know why my mom would want to go to school when she doesn't have to.
I hate school.
My teacher's mean.
She used to call me stupid.
Well, what are your mom and dad doing about this teacher? Well, they're tryin' to get me out of her class, but so far, nothin'.
So I've decided to go over their heads.
Way over their heads.
God? He's helped me before.
I wish I could be like Mary and not have to go to school.
Yeah, I was hoping Mary would have changed her mind by now.
Nope.
No school, and she's had about a billion jobs this summer.
Yes, that's what Julie told me.
Uh So, what else has been going on with Mary? How much time do you have? I've got all the time in the world.
Do you have a minute? Yeah.
Come on in.
I'm glad you stopped by.
I need to talk to you.
I'm really sorry about all the personal calls today.
I'm having trouble with my car insurance company.
What kind of trouble? They want $200, and I don't have $200, and if I don't get it to them soon, they're gonna cancel my insurance.
I'm a little overextended.
Maybe your parents could help you out.
They didn't even want me to get the car in the first place, and I had a credit card a while back, but that's only for emergencies, and that's maxed out.
I've had a lot of emergencies.
Yes, I hear that.
Um, so I was hoping that maybe you could advance me a couple weeks' pay? Um, I would never ask, but I'm I'm desperate.
I'm not gonna be able to do that.
Well, I had to ask.
You should stay.
We really need to talk.
About what? Why don't you shut the door? This doesn't sound good.
I'm afraid it isn't.
Oh, hey, you need to hurry.
Simon and Lucy are waitin' for you in the car.
I remembered something I did at school.
Last week my friend Sarah wanted to know what it felt like to be a mummy, so we went to the bathroom during recess and I wrapped her in toilet paper.
Actually, your principal called this morning, and you're not in any trouble.
He thinks he may have found a way to get you out of miss riddle's class.
Thank god.
What'd you say? Thank god.
You should thank god.
Why's that? Because I talked to god and told him how unhappy I was at school and asked him to help.
You prayed to get out of miss riddle's class? You don't ask, you don't get.
I just thought you and mom could use some help.
Now, what were you saying? Ah, good morning.
You do know it's morning, don't you? Good morning, you two.
Ah, good morning, Annie.
How's the studying? Oh, I'm just takin' a little break.
Um, aren't you gonna be late for work? Um, I have the day off.
My manager called this morning and said it was slow and I don't have to come in.
Huh.
That's funny.
I didn't hear the phone ring.
Oh, really? Uh, maybe you were in the shower.
Maybe.
Can you afford not to work? You do have a car payment due soon, and then there's the insurance, and you still haven't paid last month's room and board.
I can afford it, and I've got everything under control.
Well, I'm glad you're off today.
It'll give us a chance to chat.
I'd love to stay and talk, but I promised a friend that I'd help her move.
Sorry.
Lucy Camden is your sister, right? Yeah.
But even if she wasn't, I'd still vote for her.
She's lucky to have such a cute brother tryin' to get her votes.
Cute? So, I'm having a party this weekend.
Do you wanna come? I'd love to come.
Everyone will be there.
You know, the surprise candidate won last year.
You've got a good chance.
Surprise candidate? It's catchy, huh? You have fliers posted in the women's rest room.
How'd you do that? I have my ways.
Thanks for asking me to help out.
Once people found out I was your brother, everyone wanted to talk to me.
Oh? Yeah.
I just got invited to a big party this weekend.
Everyone's gonna be there.
It's like overnight, I'm the king of the freshmen.
And with your help, I'll soon be the queen of the school.
Oh, you know, I've got to be at ruthie's school in an hour, and on the way, I've got to stop in on 2 parishioners who just had surgery at the hospital, and when I get home I need to start dinner Something non-beige for ruthie.
You think you could do me a favor and watch the boys? Of course.
Glad to be of service.
Hey, aren't you supposed to be at work? Oh, Mary's got the day off today.
Isn't that right, Mary? Can you afford to have a day off? Yes, I can afford it.
Ok? Nice job, waiting tables.
Look, Annie and I aren't happy that she's not going to college, but she is working.
She's earning a living, paying her bills.
Who let her buy the car? No one let her.
She just went out and bought it.
And as much as I think she shouldn't have, that car is a responsibility that she can't run away from.
She has to work hard and keep her job because she has to pay for that car.
Son, to win a war, you've got to fight.
You've got to get in there and get your hands dirty and make something happen, and you have to have a battle plan.
What's your battle plan? This isn't a war.
Oh, it's a war, all right.
And at stake is Mary's future.
As much as we would like to force Mary into doing what we know is best for her, we can't.
She's an adult.
She has to do this on her own.
And what if she doesn't? She will.
How'd it go with professor talley? Not good.
Professor talley doesn't care about my personal life.
He said I either bring up my grade, or I'm out.
Wow.
Yeah.
Isn't organic chemistry a core course? So if you fail, you're out of pre-med or behind by a whole semester, right? This is big! How can you be so calm? I'm calm because this has very little to do with me.
It's all Heather's fault.
What? If Heather and I had just gotten married or stayed together, my head would be in a better place.
You know, as it is, because of everything that's gone on with her, I'm behind in my classes.
I can catch up, but, really, you have to see that this is not my fault.
You can't be serious.
I'm serious.
But what's done is done.
Now I just have to do damage control.
Does that include actual studying? Reverend Camden.
Please come in.
Will Mrs.
Camden be joining us? Oh, no, she couldn't make it.
Please.
So, you've come up with a way to get ruthie out of miss riddle's class? Yes, I, uh, I think I have.
Do you remember last may when all the kids in the third grade were given a basic skills test? Yeah.
Ruthie did very well.
Actually, she tested off the charts.
According to her scores, ruthie tested in the 95th percentile for the country, which means that she's very, very bright.
But her grades are just average.
I think it's because she's bored and frustrated, and because of that, she's not working anywhere near her potential.
I think if we don't find a way to get her out of miss riddle's class, we're really handicapping her future.
I agree.
I feel ruthie might do better at another school.
Can't you just transfer her to another class? Not without transferring another student out.
Besides, ruthie's special.
She needs a special school.
Now, I've taken the Liberty of making some phone calls, and I think ruthie would do very well at Eleanor Roosevelt.
Yeah, but that's a That's a private school.
An excellent private school.
It's actually a bit of a coup that we can get ruthie admitted.
They usually don't take students after the school year has already started, but one of their students was just admitted to college.
A third-grader is going to college? No.
I believe it was someone from the sixth grade class.
Ruthie's very lucky.
But We've never had a child in private school before.
Don't think of it as a private school.
Think of it as the best school The best school for ruthie.
How's the campaign coming? Really well.
I think Lucy could win.
She would make a great homecoming queen.
When I'm a senior, I want to be homecoming queen, too.
Well, I'll handle your campaign, too.
If you want? You're lucky you have a popular sister to pave the way for you.
You're basically cool by association.
People always want to be with the a-list people, and if they can't be with them, then they'll settle for being with the people who know them.
Popularity trickles down.
Like I said, you're very lucky.
Well, I'm really lookin' forward to your party this weekend.
Can I bring anything? Yeah, your sister.
Here's all the info where I live and everything.
This is gonna be great.
I just put the boys down for their nap.
Oh, thanks for helping.
It's been a while since I've taken a college exam, and I can use all the extra study time I can get.
You don't think I should be goin' back to school, do you? Where'd you get an idea like that? I think it's highly commendable that you're going to college.
You do? Yes.
College is hard work.
Raising a family is tough, and you never look for the easy way.
Annie, you're the absolute embodiment of the old saying, "where there's a will, there's a way.
" Thank you.
I just wish Mary had some of your drive and ambition.
She's drifting.
We all want Mary to go to college, but but she has to want to do it, or it'll never work.
I mean, we can't make her do it.
That's what Eric said.
And you don't agree with him? Let's just say I think it's a risky plan.
I think Mary will be fine.
She's had a bumpy summer, but she's been working in the pool hall the last few weeks, and she seems settled and yet unhappy enough to consider going to college next semester.
Lunch break? Waitin' for someone? I've never seen you here before.
I am here every day, and I got fired, ok? Fired! I don't have a job.
I'm not on a lunch break, nor am I waiting for anyone.
I i am unemployed.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I i shouldn't have yelled like that.
I'm under a lot of pressure, and I just bought a new car, and if I don't find a job by next Wednesday, then I'm going to have to tell my parents that I can't afford my car payment.
You're worried they'll be mad at you? No.
I'm worried that I'm gonna have to listen to them say "I told you so" for the rest of my life.
Well, don't give up hope.
You'll find a job.
After my son graduated from college, it took him 2 years to find a good job, but he eventually found one, a good one With benefits and stock options.
He couldn't be happier.
Thanks.
When he was jobless and depressed, I used to remind him that no matter what happens to him in his life, he'll always have his college degree to fall back on.
That's something they can never take away from him, something that he can always count on His college education.
Well, I just graduated from high school, and, um, I'm not really sure if I'm going to go to college.
Oh.
Are you ok? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? Well, for the last 4 hours, I've been watchin' you clean the kitchen and fold your laundry.
You don't clean the kitchen or fold laundry.
When are you gonna study? I'm gonna study, but I have to finish my laundry first.
I i have to have clothes.
If I didn't know any better, I would say you don't really want to study.
I'm gonna study.
I asked my mom if she could help me with my laundry, but the colonel's at the house, so I have to do it.
And I did start to study, but I couldn't concentrate because every time I looked up from my book, I noticed how dirty the kitchen was.
Well, how clean the kitchen was never bothered you before.
Well, it bothered me today.
You know, and I hate to mention it, but if you had cleaned up your breakfast dishes from this morning, I wouldn't have wasted my whole afternoon taking care of that little chore for you.
Are you tryin' to blame me for you not studyin'? So you failed your organic chemistry pretest because of Heather, and you didn't study this afternoon because I didn't clean the kitchen, and you're not studyin' right now because your mom didn't do your laundry? I'm just curious.
Now, when you don't pass your midterm and you get kicked out of premed, who you gonna blame? Me, Heather, your mom, the colonel, the man on the moon, the problems in the middle east, global warming, what? I don't understand why you're so upset.
I'm gonna do fine on my midterm.
But if you don't, it won't be your fault, right? Look, you don't understand.
No, I think you don't understand organic chemistry Among other things, and you're just too pigheaded to admit it, and instead of just asking for help or saying, "I need help," you'll blame everybody and everything as long as that allows you not to blame yourself.
You know, you are totally out of line.
I don't think I am.
Do you get good grades? Yes, I do.
Well That's because I do everything around here and you do nothing.
Yeah.
Mr.
Russo set up a tour of the campus for all of us tomorrow.
You know, they have great programs for ruthie, specialized programs that allow kids to pursue their interests.
And they pride themselves on giving kids a love of education.
That's all great, but, I mean, can we afford it? I have a call in to the principal to see what options are available.
I'd hate to have ruthie's potential limited by our bank account or, in this case, lack thereof.
Maybe we're gettin' ahead of ourselves.
Maybe ruthie doesn't want to go to a new school.
Well, we'll talk to her and see how she feels, but I think she'd do anything to get out of miss riddle's class.
Unless she's like Mary and prefers no class at all.
Ah, I think I know why the colonel is paying us a visit.
Mary.
I don't know what he thinks he can do.
It's not like he can force her to go to college.
If it were that easy, she'd be in college now.
I've been waiting for you to get home.
Oh, I had a vestry meeting.
So, am I free? Can I get out of miss riddle's class? Indeed, it looks that way.
You and god make a good team.
So, whose class did I get transferred to? How'd you like to go to a new school? Not a new class, a whole new school.
How'd you like to go to Eleanor Roosevelt? It's a very nice private school.
That's it? That's your idea of helpin' me out, making me leave school? I don't want to leave my school.
Why can't miss riddle leave? What? I can't go.
I don't have a best friend at Eleanor Roosevelt.
Best friend? Sarah's my best friend.
I have to have a best friend.
Or Can Sarah come with me? Mmm That's what I thought.
This is the last time I ever ask god for help.
Hi.
I've been lookin' for ya.
I offered to give your dad a little break and pick up dinner tonight.
Would you give me a ride? I really want to take a drive in your fancy new sports car.
Ok.
Sure.
Good.
Well, I thought we'd pick up something to go at the pool hall.
I mean, they make a great burger.
I love burgers.
The pool hall? Yeah.
Unless there's some reason you don't want to go there.
Ah, well, that's fine, then.
I haven't been there in some time.
I'll refresh my memory and, uh Get another look at what you gave up college for.
Are you ok? No, I'm not ok.
Mom and dad are shippin' me off to boarding school.
What? What boarding school? Eleanor Roosevelt.
That's not a boarding school.
Might as well be a boarding school.
I have to leave all my friends.
You'll make new friends.
Like Simon? He went to a new school, and now he has no friends.
It's a very prestigious private school.
Speak English.
If you get in, you should be honored.
You should go.
No.
I will not go.
They cannot make me.
I'm gonna run away and join the circus.
If you run away and join the circus, you'll have to make all new friends, too.
No, I won't.
My friend Sarah will come with me and work with the monkeys, and I'll perform on horseback, and then when we're older, we'll marry clowns.
You've put way too much thought into this circus idea.
Why has god forsaken me? Why? Did you tell some girl that I would go to her party this weekend? Um, i i was gonna talk to you about that.
When were you gonna talk to me about it? I'm sorry.
It's It's my new friend Marie who I feel will no longer be my friend if you don't go to her party.
Well, my friend June just called to inform me that if I go to this party, which I didn't know I was going to, that I would become the equivalent of a social outcast and can kiss homecoming queen good-bye.
Professor talley? Ah, Mr.
Camden.
What may I do for you? Perhaps you want to tell me some more sad tales? Maybe you've thought up some more reasons why you failed the pretest.
Hmm? What? I need help.
I'm sorry.
I'm not good with matters of the heart.
I'm a man of science.
I don't need help with my love life.
I need help with chemistry.
I don't get it at all.
I'm completely lost.
No matter how hard I try, I still can't make sense of it.
That's never happened to me.
Ever.
I've always been good in science, but not this.
I don't know what to do.
And you're just coming to me now, a week before the midterm? I i thought if I asked you for help, you'd Look at it as a sign of weakness.
I want to be a doctor.
Doctors are supposed to know this stuff, right? Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
It's a sign of maturity.
I guess I just didn't want you to think I didn't understand the material.
When you made a "d" on the pretest, I think the cat was out of the bag.
I didn't want you to think I was stupid.
I doubt you're stupid.
I don't think you would've made it to your third year of premed if you were.
Since the beginning of the semester, I have offered help to any student who needs it.
All you had to do was ask.
In medicine, as in many things in life, knowing when to ask for help can mean the difference between success and failure Sometimes, the difference between life and death.
Here's a blank copy of the pretest.
Stay here tonight.
Take it again.
But this time, use your text and your study guides.
Then tomorrow come by my office.
Anything you don't understand, I'll help you with.
Thanks.
Mr.
Camden.
Yeah.
Study.
Right.
Now? Go and study? Right.
Why aren't we going in? They're gonna find out anyway.
I don't work here anymore.
My manager had to let somebody go, and since I was last hired You were first fired.
Yeah.
I was fired.
So.
You lost your job.
So what are you going to do now? Get another job.
' go ahead, lecture me.
I know you want to.
Well? Well, what? You're not gonna lecture me? No, I don't believe I am.
So you haven't told mom and dad about my losing my job? Correct.
So are you or aren't you gonna tell them? This is killing me.
You want to know what's killing me? You.
You have so much potential, and yet you find yourself wandering aimlessly through your young life, getting fired from one job after another.
Hey, this is the first job I've gotten fired from.
I quit the other ones.
But is this the way you envisioned your life? A minimum wage nomad leaving a trail of dead-end jobs in your wake? I'm not gonna be making minimum wage for the rest of my life.
I've got plans Big plans.
Yeah, well, I've got news for you, young lady.
Life is what happens while you're making big plans.
I need some help.
Well, it's about time you asked.
What? I've been waiting for you to come to me, Mary.
So you're gonna help me? Yes, I'm gonna help you.
All you had to do was ask.
Oh, this is great.
Oh, thank you.
It's just gonna be a loan, and I'll pay you back, and $500 should do it.
What are you talking about? What? I thought you were gonna help me.
Well, I am.
I'm gonna help you straighten out your life.
I'm gonna help you get back on track, set some goals, get into college.
Oh.
Ok.
I get it.
Um So you're gonna help me, but only if I do what you, mom, and dad want me to do.
Well, I'm not gonna just give you money.
You're not giving it to me.
It's a loan.
No.
I'm sorry.
Come on.
I need the money.
I have bills to pay.
All right.
If you won't enroll in college, I have a friend who owns a sporting goods store.
He needs a cashier.
It doesn't sound like much, but there's room for growth, and If later on you go to college, they'll work around your schedule.
So you'll call some guy and get him to get me a job, but you won't loan me any money? Yeah.
I don't want to work at a sporting goods store.
I guess this means that you're telling mom and dad that I lost my job, too.
Oh, yes, you'd like that, wouldn't you? Then you wouldn't have to do it.
No.
You lost the job, you tell them.
Mary If you change your mind, the offer of help will always be there.
I won't change my mind.
I don't need help.
I need money.
So thank you for nothing.
Oh.
I was just about to call the police.
Where you been all night? I was at the library.
Not cleaning it, I hope.
I'm sorry for earlier.
I was the one that was out of line.
I was just scared.
I was looking to blame anyone but myself for failin' that chemistry pretest.
And blaming was easier than facin' the fact that I didn't understand the material and I needed help.
And I ran into professor talley at the library.
He's gonna help me get ready for the midterm.
Well, I'm so happy that you're getting help, I'm not even gonna say, "I told you so.
" Thanks.
You're a pal.
Morning.
Morning, boys.
Morning, ruthie.
What's wrong with you? God let me down.
Oh.
I don't want to be mad at him, but I don't want to leave my friends and go to a new school.
Oh.
Does god make mistakes? Ah, come here.
I don't think so.
I don't think so.
Can I tell you a story? Hop up there.
When I joined the corps, I was just 18.
I was young and scared.
You were scared? Yes, very much so.
I was about to get on a bus and leave everything I knew behind, and I didn't know if I could do that.
So, how'd you do it? One day at a time.
I remember thinking, "how am I ever gonna get through this next 5 months?" And then I thought, "well, at least I can get through this one day.
" And then the one day turned into a week and the week into a month, and the first thing you know, I had finished basic training.
Well, sure, I missed my friends and my family, but I made new friends, and then later on I realized if I hadn't gone down that road, hadn't joined the marines, I never would have met grandma Ruth or had Eric or Julie.
So at first it seemed scary and not so good, but later on, it all made sense.
Maybe it would be a good idea if you took a look at this new school, see what road god is sending you down.
What you think of now as a mistake or a prayer unanswered could end up being just what you want.
Hey, ruthie, it's time to get ready for school.
Can we still go to that new school today? Mm-hmm.
Good.
Here.
What is this for? Ruthie's tuition.
Oh, that's so sweet, but ruthie qualifies for a full scholarship.
Yeah, the only thing keeping ruthie from going there was Ruthie.
Yeah.
We know you came to visit to check up on Mary, but we don't want you and mom to worry.
And Mary's gonna be fine.
She's gonna go to college.
It's just a phase she's goin' through.
It'll pass, and she'll get on with her life.
But if you need help I won't hesitate to call.
Thank you.
Hi, Lucy.
So, are you coming to my party? Simon said you would come.
Yeah.
I'm comin'.
Cool.
Wait, wait.
You're going? What about the election? Are you dropping out? No, I'm running.
Then what about what your friend said None of the cool people are gonna vote for you.
But all the freshmen will.
And it doesn't really matter, because I'll probably lose anyway.
No one ever said I was gonna win.
Yeah, but still, you Let's see, be homecoming queen or help out my brother by going to a party? It was close, but I, uh, chose you.
Thanks.
I aced my test! Ha ha! Ha ha ha! Thanks.
Anytime.
No, really.
If it weren't for you helping me out at home, I couldn't go back to school.
It means so much to me.
Which is why I'm helping you out.
I love you.
I love you, too.
They have horses.
Horses! The school offers both English and western style instruction.
And there's no homework.
We think the children work hard all day.
At night they should be free to relax and be kids.
After all, we have them Of course, if ruthie wants to spend time at home studying any subject beyond the core curriculum, we'll set up an individual program for her.
I might want to do that, considering I don't have to be at school till 10:00.
We have a flexible schedule.
Students can start as late as 10:00, but then they go to 5:00.
Not every student does his or her best work early in the morning.
Plus, we have a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a whole list of after-school trips and projects.
Last year we took a group of students to the national gallery in Washington, D.
C.
And then met the president.
Well.
Ha ha ha.
I think ruthie would be a wonderful addition to our school.
If you have any questions, please call.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Thank you.
Bye, ruthie.
Boy, when god answers a prayer, he answers a prayer.
Does that mean you want to go to school here? Oh, yeah.
Please, I am begging you, don't cancel my policy.
We can give you 2 more days to pay, and that's it.
I know, but I got fired, and you have to give me more than a couple of days to come up with the money.
We can't Grant you any more extensions, miss Camden.
But I can't drive my car without insurance.
Do you get it? No car equals no job.
I have to have a car.
It's our policy to inform Look, you can tell whoever you want that you're canceling my insurance, but you can't stop me from driving my own car.
Oh, yeah? Watch me!
This was just a practice test to help you prepare for the midterm.
It doesn't count.
Here's the bad news.
Half of you didn't pass.
The other half barely passed.
Oh, here's some more bad news.
The midterm's in 2 weeks, so if you don't know the material by now, when are you going to learn it? What does this all mean? For those of you that are taking organic chemistry as a requirement for pre-med, you might want to double-major in pre-law, because if you don't understand chemistry, you're gonna be a doctor who's gonna need a lawyer.
Just wanting to be a doctor isn't enough.
You have to study hard, you have to work hard, and you have to get through this class.
Class dismissed, and for some of you, I think permanently.
Please, just give me another week.
Yeah, I know I said that a week ago, but I swear I just need one more week, and then I can pay you.
Yeah, I know my check bounced, but you can't cancel my car insurance.
You better get out there.
Your tables are stacking up.
I'll be right there.
You better.
The manager's out there, and he doesn't look happy.
Ok.
Hello.
Hello? Ohh! Great.
See, I know it's not my chosen profession, but for the next 2 days while you study for your first big test in child psychology, I am large and in charge of the Camden brood.
You know, there was a time when that would terrify me, but ever since the twins were born, you've become really quite competent at household chores.
Competent? Ha! Competent.
Competent would be plain old casserole.
I'm making tuna casserole.
Oh, well.
Is Mary coming home for dinner? No.
Someone called in sick from the pool hall, so she volunteered to work a double shift.
Good.
How many months is she behind in her room and board? Uh, well, let's see.
She was supposed to start payment a month ago, so one.
Hi.
The principal wants to see your father and me at school tomorrow? Wow.
What'd you do? No.
I think the question is, what did you do? I didn't do anything.
I swear.
So have you found a way to get me out of miss riddle's class yet? We're workin' on it.
Well, work faster.
You have to sign my tardy slip.
Why were you late to class? Because I went up the down stairs, and by the time I went back down the down stairs and up the up stairs, I was late.
I hate high school! I'm not in any trouble, and I wasn't late for class, and I love high school.
Ask me why.
What's your big news? I was Oh, I'll get it.
No, no, I'll get the door.
You need to start studying.
I was nominated for homecoming queen.
Thanks for your support.
Guess who's coming to dinner.
7th heaven When I see their happy faces smilin' back at me 7th heaven I know there's no greater feelin' Than the love of a family Where can you go When the world don't treat you right? The answer is home That's the one place that you'll find 7th heaven Mmm, 7th heaven 7th heaven I made up the twin bed in Simon's room for the colonel.
Has he told you how long he's staying or why he's really here? Uh, only for a couple of days, and no.
He says he's just passing through on his way back to New York.
He was supposed to stay with Julie and Hank, but Hank got called out of town to lecture in Chicago and decided to take Julie and the baby with him.
Personally, I think they ran.
Do you blame them? No.
I envy them.
I want to be them.
Colonel-free in Chicago.
Ah, you're overreacting.
Having the colonel spend a few days with us won't be that bad.
Last time my dad was here, I had a heart attack.
That's not funny.
I'd feel better about the colonel being here if I knew why he was here.
Well, maybe it's like you said.
He he just wants to spend a couple of days with us.
Oh, poor, sweet, naive Annie.
Well, whatever the colonel is doing here, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
In the meantime, I've got some studying to do.
Dinner was good, but it was too beige.
Beige? Yeah.
Macaroni and tuna beige.
Even the corn was beige.
No, it was white.
White corn.
And the salad was green.
Ok, I'll give you that, but for desert, vanilla ice cream beige again.
Come on.
Where's the chocolate sauce? Where's the excitement on my plate? I really look forward to dinner.
It needs to be something special.
I'll keep that in mind.
Well, I hate to disagree with such a beautiful girl, but I thought the dinner was excellent.
You're becoming quite the cook, son.
Thank you.
So, Annie's back in school Again.
What is this, uh 4 degrees? Uh, 3.
Ah.
Yeah.
Why are you here? Do I need a reason? Yes.
What are you gonna do about organic chemistry? I think it's pretty serious.
I'm gonna talk to my professor in the morning.
That's a good idea.
Maybe he can help you.
I don't need help.
Yeah? Then why are you gonna go see him? To explain about Heather and the wedding.
What? I've been unfocused and kind of all over the place since Heather dumped me at the altar this summer.
And what does that have to do with your failing chemistry? Don't you see? This whole Heather thing has kept me from doing my best work.
Or maybe Heather has nothin' to do with it.
Maybe you just don't understand the material.
No, I understand the material.
I'm distracted.
It's Heather.
Yeah, I'm sure once professor talley understands the pressures I've been under and sees how distracted I've been, he'll go a little easier on me.
Tip big.
I need the money.
Well, here's one big, gigantic tip I hear the colonel's in town for a little unscheduled business.
He's stayin' at the house.
I'm guessing the colonel won't think too highly of your putting your education on hold so you can wait tables.
The only thing worse than a lecture from dad is A lecture from the colonel.
Thanks.
Well, wonder what the colonel will think of your "d" in organic chemistry.
I don't live there anymore, and I got no plans to visit.
All right.
Study.
Oh.
Ok, thanks.
Oh, maybe going back to college was a bad idea.
Is that what my father said? No.
Oh, do you think he's here because he thinks I'm neglecting the kids by going back to school? It doesn't matter what the colonel thinks.
What matters is that you pass your test.
Yeah, but what about going to ruthie's school tomorrow? I'll handle it.
I know, but I just hate not being there.
I'm always there.
I'm the mom.
It's my job to always be there for the kids.
You know, at first I wasn't thrilled with your going back to college, but your going to school isn't about me.
It's about you.
You do so much for me and the kids and the church.
It's your turn to do something for yourself.
Boy, what a difference a week makes.
Well, what kind of a man would I be if I didn't support you 100% by helping out with the house and the kids? A jerk.
Exactly.
So start studying.
Ok, thanks.
Hey.
Congratulations on your homecoming queen nomination.
Hey, what's wrong? Jim called To tell me that his mother doesn't want us hanging out together.
She blames me for the whole tp thing last week, so I will, once again, be all alone.
But, hey, 4 years of high school isn't that long, right? I was thinking about your unhappy high-school situation, and I thought I could help.
If you help me with my homecoming queen campaign, you could meet lots of people girls, even.
You feel sorry for me, don't you? And that's why you want my help, isn't it? No! I thought Ok, I feel sorry for you.
I remember what it was like to be the new kid in a new school, but I really do need your help because I really want to be homecoming queen.
You do? And while you're trying to get me elected, you could get out there and meet some people.
Girls, even.
So are you in? Ok, I'll do it.
Great.
We'll start campaigning tomorrow.
Hey, luce Thanks.
And I don't know why my mom would want to go to school when she doesn't have to.
I hate school.
My teacher's mean.
She used to call me stupid.
Well, what are your mom and dad doing about this teacher? Well, they're tryin' to get me out of her class, but so far, nothin'.
So I've decided to go over their heads.
Way over their heads.
God? He's helped me before.
I wish I could be like Mary and not have to go to school.
Yeah, I was hoping Mary would have changed her mind by now.
Nope.
No school, and she's had about a billion jobs this summer.
Yes, that's what Julie told me.
Uh So, what else has been going on with Mary? How much time do you have? I've got all the time in the world.
Do you have a minute? Yeah.
Come on in.
I'm glad you stopped by.
I need to talk to you.
I'm really sorry about all the personal calls today.
I'm having trouble with my car insurance company.
What kind of trouble? They want $200, and I don't have $200, and if I don't get it to them soon, they're gonna cancel my insurance.
I'm a little overextended.
Maybe your parents could help you out.
They didn't even want me to get the car in the first place, and I had a credit card a while back, but that's only for emergencies, and that's maxed out.
I've had a lot of emergencies.
Yes, I hear that.
Um, so I was hoping that maybe you could advance me a couple weeks' pay? Um, I would never ask, but I'm I'm desperate.
I'm not gonna be able to do that.
Well, I had to ask.
You should stay.
We really need to talk.
About what? Why don't you shut the door? This doesn't sound good.
I'm afraid it isn't.
Oh, hey, you need to hurry.
Simon and Lucy are waitin' for you in the car.
I remembered something I did at school.
Last week my friend Sarah wanted to know what it felt like to be a mummy, so we went to the bathroom during recess and I wrapped her in toilet paper.
Actually, your principal called this morning, and you're not in any trouble.
He thinks he may have found a way to get you out of miss riddle's class.
Thank god.
What'd you say? Thank god.
You should thank god.
Why's that? Because I talked to god and told him how unhappy I was at school and asked him to help.
You prayed to get out of miss riddle's class? You don't ask, you don't get.
I just thought you and mom could use some help.
Now, what were you saying? Ah, good morning.
You do know it's morning, don't you? Good morning, you two.
Ah, good morning, Annie.
How's the studying? Oh, I'm just takin' a little break.
Um, aren't you gonna be late for work? Um, I have the day off.
My manager called this morning and said it was slow and I don't have to come in.
Huh.
That's funny.
I didn't hear the phone ring.
Oh, really? Uh, maybe you were in the shower.
Maybe.
Can you afford not to work? You do have a car payment due soon, and then there's the insurance, and you still haven't paid last month's room and board.
I can afford it, and I've got everything under control.
Well, I'm glad you're off today.
It'll give us a chance to chat.
I'd love to stay and talk, but I promised a friend that I'd help her move.
Sorry.
Lucy Camden is your sister, right? Yeah.
But even if she wasn't, I'd still vote for her.
She's lucky to have such a cute brother tryin' to get her votes.
Cute? So, I'm having a party this weekend.
Do you wanna come? I'd love to come.
Everyone will be there.
You know, the surprise candidate won last year.
You've got a good chance.
Surprise candidate? It's catchy, huh? You have fliers posted in the women's rest room.
How'd you do that? I have my ways.
Thanks for asking me to help out.
Once people found out I was your brother, everyone wanted to talk to me.
Oh? Yeah.
I just got invited to a big party this weekend.
Everyone's gonna be there.
It's like overnight, I'm the king of the freshmen.
And with your help, I'll soon be the queen of the school.
Oh, you know, I've got to be at ruthie's school in an hour, and on the way, I've got to stop in on 2 parishioners who just had surgery at the hospital, and when I get home I need to start dinner Something non-beige for ruthie.
You think you could do me a favor and watch the boys? Of course.
Glad to be of service.
Hey, aren't you supposed to be at work? Oh, Mary's got the day off today.
Isn't that right, Mary? Can you afford to have a day off? Yes, I can afford it.
Ok? Nice job, waiting tables.
Look, Annie and I aren't happy that she's not going to college, but she is working.
She's earning a living, paying her bills.
Who let her buy the car? No one let her.
She just went out and bought it.
And as much as I think she shouldn't have, that car is a responsibility that she can't run away from.
She has to work hard and keep her job because she has to pay for that car.
Son, to win a war, you've got to fight.
You've got to get in there and get your hands dirty and make something happen, and you have to have a battle plan.
What's your battle plan? This isn't a war.
Oh, it's a war, all right.
And at stake is Mary's future.
As much as we would like to force Mary into doing what we know is best for her, we can't.
She's an adult.
She has to do this on her own.
And what if she doesn't? She will.
How'd it go with professor talley? Not good.
Professor talley doesn't care about my personal life.
He said I either bring up my grade, or I'm out.
Wow.
Yeah.
Isn't organic chemistry a core course? So if you fail, you're out of pre-med or behind by a whole semester, right? This is big! How can you be so calm? I'm calm because this has very little to do with me.
It's all Heather's fault.
What? If Heather and I had just gotten married or stayed together, my head would be in a better place.
You know, as it is, because of everything that's gone on with her, I'm behind in my classes.
I can catch up, but, really, you have to see that this is not my fault.
You can't be serious.
I'm serious.
But what's done is done.
Now I just have to do damage control.
Does that include actual studying? Reverend Camden.
Please come in.
Will Mrs.
Camden be joining us? Oh, no, she couldn't make it.
Please.
So, you've come up with a way to get ruthie out of miss riddle's class? Yes, I, uh, I think I have.
Do you remember last may when all the kids in the third grade were given a basic skills test? Yeah.
Ruthie did very well.
Actually, she tested off the charts.
According to her scores, ruthie tested in the 95th percentile for the country, which means that she's very, very bright.
But her grades are just average.
I think it's because she's bored and frustrated, and because of that, she's not working anywhere near her potential.
I think if we don't find a way to get her out of miss riddle's class, we're really handicapping her future.
I agree.
I feel ruthie might do better at another school.
Can't you just transfer her to another class? Not without transferring another student out.
Besides, ruthie's special.
She needs a special school.
Now, I've taken the Liberty of making some phone calls, and I think ruthie would do very well at Eleanor Roosevelt.
Yeah, but that's a That's a private school.
An excellent private school.
It's actually a bit of a coup that we can get ruthie admitted.
They usually don't take students after the school year has already started, but one of their students was just admitted to college.
A third-grader is going to college? No.
I believe it was someone from the sixth grade class.
Ruthie's very lucky.
But We've never had a child in private school before.
Don't think of it as a private school.
Think of it as the best school The best school for ruthie.
How's the campaign coming? Really well.
I think Lucy could win.
She would make a great homecoming queen.
When I'm a senior, I want to be homecoming queen, too.
Well, I'll handle your campaign, too.
If you want? You're lucky you have a popular sister to pave the way for you.
You're basically cool by association.
People always want to be with the a-list people, and if they can't be with them, then they'll settle for being with the people who know them.
Popularity trickles down.
Like I said, you're very lucky.
Well, I'm really lookin' forward to your party this weekend.
Can I bring anything? Yeah, your sister.
Here's all the info where I live and everything.
This is gonna be great.
I just put the boys down for their nap.
Oh, thanks for helping.
It's been a while since I've taken a college exam, and I can use all the extra study time I can get.
You don't think I should be goin' back to school, do you? Where'd you get an idea like that? I think it's highly commendable that you're going to college.
You do? Yes.
College is hard work.
Raising a family is tough, and you never look for the easy way.
Annie, you're the absolute embodiment of the old saying, "where there's a will, there's a way.
" Thank you.
I just wish Mary had some of your drive and ambition.
She's drifting.
We all want Mary to go to college, but but she has to want to do it, or it'll never work.
I mean, we can't make her do it.
That's what Eric said.
And you don't agree with him? Let's just say I think it's a risky plan.
I think Mary will be fine.
She's had a bumpy summer, but she's been working in the pool hall the last few weeks, and she seems settled and yet unhappy enough to consider going to college next semester.
Lunch break? Waitin' for someone? I've never seen you here before.
I am here every day, and I got fired, ok? Fired! I don't have a job.
I'm not on a lunch break, nor am I waiting for anyone.
I i am unemployed.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I i shouldn't have yelled like that.
I'm under a lot of pressure, and I just bought a new car, and if I don't find a job by next Wednesday, then I'm going to have to tell my parents that I can't afford my car payment.
You're worried they'll be mad at you? No.
I'm worried that I'm gonna have to listen to them say "I told you so" for the rest of my life.
Well, don't give up hope.
You'll find a job.
After my son graduated from college, it took him 2 years to find a good job, but he eventually found one, a good one With benefits and stock options.
He couldn't be happier.
Thanks.
When he was jobless and depressed, I used to remind him that no matter what happens to him in his life, he'll always have his college degree to fall back on.
That's something they can never take away from him, something that he can always count on His college education.
Well, I just graduated from high school, and, um, I'm not really sure if I'm going to go to college.
Oh.
Are you ok? Yeah, I'm fine.
Why? Well, for the last 4 hours, I've been watchin' you clean the kitchen and fold your laundry.
You don't clean the kitchen or fold laundry.
When are you gonna study? I'm gonna study, but I have to finish my laundry first.
I i have to have clothes.
If I didn't know any better, I would say you don't really want to study.
I'm gonna study.
I asked my mom if she could help me with my laundry, but the colonel's at the house, so I have to do it.
And I did start to study, but I couldn't concentrate because every time I looked up from my book, I noticed how dirty the kitchen was.
Well, how clean the kitchen was never bothered you before.
Well, it bothered me today.
You know, and I hate to mention it, but if you had cleaned up your breakfast dishes from this morning, I wouldn't have wasted my whole afternoon taking care of that little chore for you.
Are you tryin' to blame me for you not studyin'? So you failed your organic chemistry pretest because of Heather, and you didn't study this afternoon because I didn't clean the kitchen, and you're not studyin' right now because your mom didn't do your laundry? I'm just curious.
Now, when you don't pass your midterm and you get kicked out of premed, who you gonna blame? Me, Heather, your mom, the colonel, the man on the moon, the problems in the middle east, global warming, what? I don't understand why you're so upset.
I'm gonna do fine on my midterm.
But if you don't, it won't be your fault, right? Look, you don't understand.
No, I think you don't understand organic chemistry Among other things, and you're just too pigheaded to admit it, and instead of just asking for help or saying, "I need help," you'll blame everybody and everything as long as that allows you not to blame yourself.
You know, you are totally out of line.
I don't think I am.
Do you get good grades? Yes, I do.
Well That's because I do everything around here and you do nothing.
Yeah.
Mr.
Russo set up a tour of the campus for all of us tomorrow.
You know, they have great programs for ruthie, specialized programs that allow kids to pursue their interests.
And they pride themselves on giving kids a love of education.
That's all great, but, I mean, can we afford it? I have a call in to the principal to see what options are available.
I'd hate to have ruthie's potential limited by our bank account or, in this case, lack thereof.
Maybe we're gettin' ahead of ourselves.
Maybe ruthie doesn't want to go to a new school.
Well, we'll talk to her and see how she feels, but I think she'd do anything to get out of miss riddle's class.
Unless she's like Mary and prefers no class at all.
Ah, I think I know why the colonel is paying us a visit.
Mary.
I don't know what he thinks he can do.
It's not like he can force her to go to college.
If it were that easy, she'd be in college now.
I've been waiting for you to get home.
Oh, I had a vestry meeting.
So, am I free? Can I get out of miss riddle's class? Indeed, it looks that way.
You and god make a good team.
So, whose class did I get transferred to? How'd you like to go to a new school? Not a new class, a whole new school.
How'd you like to go to Eleanor Roosevelt? It's a very nice private school.
That's it? That's your idea of helpin' me out, making me leave school? I don't want to leave my school.
Why can't miss riddle leave? What? I can't go.
I don't have a best friend at Eleanor Roosevelt.
Best friend? Sarah's my best friend.
I have to have a best friend.
Or Can Sarah come with me? Mmm That's what I thought.
This is the last time I ever ask god for help.
Hi.
I've been lookin' for ya.
I offered to give your dad a little break and pick up dinner tonight.
Would you give me a ride? I really want to take a drive in your fancy new sports car.
Ok.
Sure.
Good.
Well, I thought we'd pick up something to go at the pool hall.
I mean, they make a great burger.
I love burgers.
The pool hall? Yeah.
Unless there's some reason you don't want to go there.
Ah, well, that's fine, then.
I haven't been there in some time.
I'll refresh my memory and, uh Get another look at what you gave up college for.
Are you ok? No, I'm not ok.
Mom and dad are shippin' me off to boarding school.
What? What boarding school? Eleanor Roosevelt.
That's not a boarding school.
Might as well be a boarding school.
I have to leave all my friends.
You'll make new friends.
Like Simon? He went to a new school, and now he has no friends.
It's a very prestigious private school.
Speak English.
If you get in, you should be honored.
You should go.
No.
I will not go.
They cannot make me.
I'm gonna run away and join the circus.
If you run away and join the circus, you'll have to make all new friends, too.
No, I won't.
My friend Sarah will come with me and work with the monkeys, and I'll perform on horseback, and then when we're older, we'll marry clowns.
You've put way too much thought into this circus idea.
Why has god forsaken me? Why? Did you tell some girl that I would go to her party this weekend? Um, i i was gonna talk to you about that.
When were you gonna talk to me about it? I'm sorry.
It's It's my new friend Marie who I feel will no longer be my friend if you don't go to her party.
Well, my friend June just called to inform me that if I go to this party, which I didn't know I was going to, that I would become the equivalent of a social outcast and can kiss homecoming queen good-bye.
Professor talley? Ah, Mr.
Camden.
What may I do for you? Perhaps you want to tell me some more sad tales? Maybe you've thought up some more reasons why you failed the pretest.
Hmm? What? I need help.
I'm sorry.
I'm not good with matters of the heart.
I'm a man of science.
I don't need help with my love life.
I need help with chemistry.
I don't get it at all.
I'm completely lost.
No matter how hard I try, I still can't make sense of it.
That's never happened to me.
Ever.
I've always been good in science, but not this.
I don't know what to do.
And you're just coming to me now, a week before the midterm? I i thought if I asked you for help, you'd Look at it as a sign of weakness.
I want to be a doctor.
Doctors are supposed to know this stuff, right? Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
It's a sign of maturity.
I guess I just didn't want you to think I didn't understand the material.
When you made a "d" on the pretest, I think the cat was out of the bag.
I didn't want you to think I was stupid.
I doubt you're stupid.
I don't think you would've made it to your third year of premed if you were.
Since the beginning of the semester, I have offered help to any student who needs it.
All you had to do was ask.
In medicine, as in many things in life, knowing when to ask for help can mean the difference between success and failure Sometimes, the difference between life and death.
Here's a blank copy of the pretest.
Stay here tonight.
Take it again.
But this time, use your text and your study guides.
Then tomorrow come by my office.
Anything you don't understand, I'll help you with.
Thanks.
Mr.
Camden.
Yeah.
Study.
Right.
Now? Go and study? Right.
Why aren't we going in? They're gonna find out anyway.
I don't work here anymore.
My manager had to let somebody go, and since I was last hired You were first fired.
Yeah.
I was fired.
So.
You lost your job.
So what are you going to do now? Get another job.
' go ahead, lecture me.
I know you want to.
Well? Well, what? You're not gonna lecture me? No, I don't believe I am.
So you haven't told mom and dad about my losing my job? Correct.
So are you or aren't you gonna tell them? This is killing me.
You want to know what's killing me? You.
You have so much potential, and yet you find yourself wandering aimlessly through your young life, getting fired from one job after another.
Hey, this is the first job I've gotten fired from.
I quit the other ones.
But is this the way you envisioned your life? A minimum wage nomad leaving a trail of dead-end jobs in your wake? I'm not gonna be making minimum wage for the rest of my life.
I've got plans Big plans.
Yeah, well, I've got news for you, young lady.
Life is what happens while you're making big plans.
I need some help.
Well, it's about time you asked.
What? I've been waiting for you to come to me, Mary.
So you're gonna help me? Yes, I'm gonna help you.
All you had to do was ask.
Oh, this is great.
Oh, thank you.
It's just gonna be a loan, and I'll pay you back, and $500 should do it.
What are you talking about? What? I thought you were gonna help me.
Well, I am.
I'm gonna help you straighten out your life.
I'm gonna help you get back on track, set some goals, get into college.
Oh.
Ok.
I get it.
Um So you're gonna help me, but only if I do what you, mom, and dad want me to do.
Well, I'm not gonna just give you money.
You're not giving it to me.
It's a loan.
No.
I'm sorry.
Come on.
I need the money.
I have bills to pay.
All right.
If you won't enroll in college, I have a friend who owns a sporting goods store.
He needs a cashier.
It doesn't sound like much, but there's room for growth, and If later on you go to college, they'll work around your schedule.
So you'll call some guy and get him to get me a job, but you won't loan me any money? Yeah.
I don't want to work at a sporting goods store.
I guess this means that you're telling mom and dad that I lost my job, too.
Oh, yes, you'd like that, wouldn't you? Then you wouldn't have to do it.
No.
You lost the job, you tell them.
Mary If you change your mind, the offer of help will always be there.
I won't change my mind.
I don't need help.
I need money.
So thank you for nothing.
Oh.
I was just about to call the police.
Where you been all night? I was at the library.
Not cleaning it, I hope.
I'm sorry for earlier.
I was the one that was out of line.
I was just scared.
I was looking to blame anyone but myself for failin' that chemistry pretest.
And blaming was easier than facin' the fact that I didn't understand the material and I needed help.
And I ran into professor talley at the library.
He's gonna help me get ready for the midterm.
Well, I'm so happy that you're getting help, I'm not even gonna say, "I told you so.
" Thanks.
You're a pal.
Morning.
Morning, boys.
Morning, ruthie.
What's wrong with you? God let me down.
Oh.
I don't want to be mad at him, but I don't want to leave my friends and go to a new school.
Oh.
Does god make mistakes? Ah, come here.
I don't think so.
I don't think so.
Can I tell you a story? Hop up there.
When I joined the corps, I was just 18.
I was young and scared.
You were scared? Yes, very much so.
I was about to get on a bus and leave everything I knew behind, and I didn't know if I could do that.
So, how'd you do it? One day at a time.
I remember thinking, "how am I ever gonna get through this next 5 months?" And then I thought, "well, at least I can get through this one day.
" And then the one day turned into a week and the week into a month, and the first thing you know, I had finished basic training.
Well, sure, I missed my friends and my family, but I made new friends, and then later on I realized if I hadn't gone down that road, hadn't joined the marines, I never would have met grandma Ruth or had Eric or Julie.
So at first it seemed scary and not so good, but later on, it all made sense.
Maybe it would be a good idea if you took a look at this new school, see what road god is sending you down.
What you think of now as a mistake or a prayer unanswered could end up being just what you want.
Hey, ruthie, it's time to get ready for school.
Can we still go to that new school today? Mm-hmm.
Good.
Here.
What is this for? Ruthie's tuition.
Oh, that's so sweet, but ruthie qualifies for a full scholarship.
Yeah, the only thing keeping ruthie from going there was Ruthie.
Yeah.
We know you came to visit to check up on Mary, but we don't want you and mom to worry.
And Mary's gonna be fine.
She's gonna go to college.
It's just a phase she's goin' through.
It'll pass, and she'll get on with her life.
But if you need help I won't hesitate to call.
Thank you.
Hi, Lucy.
So, are you coming to my party? Simon said you would come.
Yeah.
I'm comin'.
Cool.
Wait, wait.
You're going? What about the election? Are you dropping out? No, I'm running.
Then what about what your friend said None of the cool people are gonna vote for you.
But all the freshmen will.
And it doesn't really matter, because I'll probably lose anyway.
No one ever said I was gonna win.
Yeah, but still, you Let's see, be homecoming queen or help out my brother by going to a party? It was close, but I, uh, chose you.
Thanks.
I aced my test! Ha ha! Ha ha ha! Thanks.
Anytime.
No, really.
If it weren't for you helping me out at home, I couldn't go back to school.
It means so much to me.
Which is why I'm helping you out.
I love you.
I love you, too.
They have horses.
Horses! The school offers both English and western style instruction.
And there's no homework.
We think the children work hard all day.
At night they should be free to relax and be kids.
After all, we have them Of course, if ruthie wants to spend time at home studying any subject beyond the core curriculum, we'll set up an individual program for her.
I might want to do that, considering I don't have to be at school till 10:00.
We have a flexible schedule.
Students can start as late as 10:00, but then they go to 5:00.
Not every student does his or her best work early in the morning.
Plus, we have a 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio and a whole list of after-school trips and projects.
Last year we took a group of students to the national gallery in Washington, D.
C.
And then met the president.
Well.
Ha ha ha.
I think ruthie would be a wonderful addition to our school.
If you have any questions, please call.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Thank you.
Bye, ruthie.
Boy, when god answers a prayer, he answers a prayer.
Does that mean you want to go to school here? Oh, yeah.
Please, I am begging you, don't cancel my policy.
We can give you 2 more days to pay, and that's it.
I know, but I got fired, and you have to give me more than a couple of days to come up with the money.
We can't Grant you any more extensions, miss Camden.
But I can't drive my car without insurance.
Do you get it? No car equals no job.
I have to have a car.
It's our policy to inform Look, you can tell whoever you want that you're canceling my insurance, but you can't stop me from driving my own car.
Oh, yeah? Watch me!